instigate fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'instigate fear' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the act of provoking fear or terror in another person or group of people. For example, "The terrorist group used violence and intimidation to instigate fear in the local population."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It's easier to instigate fear and hatred than goodwill and friendship".

The Guardian

Disinformation is a powerful tool that can be used to mislead the enemy, hide tactics, instigate fear or win public support.

The New York Times

Total integration would imply that diversity turns into an asset and is not used as a weapon by the elites to instigate fear in the masses.

Huffington Post

They have over-sensationalized ISIS, giving this terrorist group the influence and power to instigate fear in Americans that it so desperately craves.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

We will not stand for the media constantly instigating fear and anger in an uninformed public.

Huffington Post

Don't get me wrong, ISIS is a relatively scary threat that is filled with radicals who will do anything to instigate more fear, but American media is actually helping them to do so.

Huffington Post

When the pandemic outbreak of H1N1 influenza started in Mexico City in April 2009, the massive media coverage in the early days of the outbreak coupled with global disease transmission instigated widespread fear initially [ 11, 12].

BMC Infectious Diseases

An internal beef-industry document this week says that "the biggest threat [mad cow] poses for the United States so far is in the consumer fear instigated by national media reports".

The New York Times

Remember that it is not a real, physical factor that instigates your anger, fear and panic.

WikiHow

Trump's statements have fostered and further instigated an atmosphere of fear and prejudice towards the estimated 6-7 Muslims Muslins in America.

The Guardian

In ordinary times, regulators do not reveal the results of bank exams or disclose the names of troubled banks for fear of instigating bank runs or market stampedes out of a stock.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "instigate fear", ensure that the subject performing the action is clearly defined, as it often implies a deliberate attempt to create a climate of anxiety or terror.

Common error

Avoid using "instigate fear" when the source of the fear is an unintentional consequence. Use terms like "cause" or "lead to" if the fear arises without deliberate instigation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instigate fear" functions primarily as a verb phrase where "instigate" is a transitive verb taking "fear" as its direct object. It describes the action of initiating or provoking fear. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "instigate fear" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes the act of provoking or initiating fear, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not exceedingly common, it appears regularly in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When employing the phrase, clarity in agency and intentionality is crucial. Related phrases such as "foment fear" and "provoke fear" offer nuanced alternatives, enriching the writer's toolkit for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foment fear

This suggests actively stirring up fear, often in a deliberate or insidious way.

provoke fear

This alternative implies a direct action that elicits a fearful response.

inflame fear

This alternative suggests intensifying existing fear, rather than initiating it.

trigger fear

This alternative implies a specific event or stimulus that activates a latent fear.

generate fear

This suggests creating fear where it didn't previously exist, possibly through indirect means.

ignite fear

Suggests a sudden and intense onset of fear, like setting something on fire.

induce fear

This suggests causing fear through specific actions or circumstances.

initiate fear

This alternative focuses on the start or beginning of fear.

arouse fear

This alternative implies awakening a dormant sense of fear.

promote fear

This alternative indicates actively encouraging fear.

FAQs

How can I use "instigate fear" in a sentence?

You can use "instigate fear" to describe actions or rhetoric that deliberately cause fear in others. For example, "The propaganda campaign was designed to "inflame fear" and division within the community."

What can I say instead of "instigate fear"?

You can use alternatives like "foment fear", "provoke fear", or "trigger fear" depending on the context. Each alternative carries slightly different connotations related to the cause and intensity of the fear.

Which is correct, "instigate fear" or "instill fear"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Instigate fear" implies causing fear to arise, while "instill fear" suggests implanting fear that may persist over time.

What's the difference between "instigate fear" and "encourage fear"?

"Instigate fear" suggests a direct action that causes fear, while "encourage fear" implies fostering or supporting existing fears, potentially without being the direct cause.